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Branson, called “The Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” had only a general store and post office when Rueben Branson established it in 1882. Now the city has more than 40 music theaters, 13 golf courses and over 100 shops and restaurants. This Missouri town blends a little bit of Nashville into its natural surroundings in the Ozark Mountains. Guests have many opportunities to visit entertainment complexes and explore Branson's lakes, mountains and caves.

Water Activities

Branson has three lakes for fishing and water sports – Taneycomo, Table Rock and Bull Shoals. All three lakes allow boating, sailing and kayaking. Table Rock Lake covers between 43,000 and 52,300 acres of surface area and contains smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish and large bluegill. Lake Tanecomo, with 2,000 acres, has entry points in downtown Branson and contains rainbow and brown trout.

Bull Shoals Lake, covering between 45,440 and 71,240 acres, begins where Taneycomo ends and flows into Arkansas. The lake has lunker fish, bream and catfish. The lake’s clear water attracts scuba divers and swimmers.

Other Outdoor Activities

More than 100,000 acres of land in the Branson area are designated for nature exploration and outdoor sports, with over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Operated by Branson Parks & Recreation, Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area comprises 130 acres of undeveloped wooded land along Lake Taneycomo that offer rugged trails. Trail 2 winds through Ashe juniper trees and oak hickory forest.

Approximately 20 miles south of Branson, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park's 2,200 acres of Ozark Mountain terrain have cascading waterfalls. Visitors can hike, bike and horseback ride along the canyon floor and also take guided walking tours.

Caves

There are thousands of Ozark Mountain caves and caverns near Branson for beginner and experienced spelunkers to explore. The limestone Marvel Cave, located within Silver Dollar City theme park, accommodates beginners and has ramps and 600 stairs. A one-hour tour takes visitors 500 feet below the earth’s surface. From the bottom of the cave, a 1957 cable train brings explorers back to the surface. Safety equipment is not required.

Talking Rocks Cavern in Branson West comprises thousands of crystal caves containing smooth and jagged rocks. Its Powell Cave Eco-Tour lasts two hours and requires walking up and down a 45-foot-tall observation tower. Safety equipment and flashlights are provided.

Wineries

Branson has wineries that give tours, provide wine-making demonstrations and even allow children. Stone Hill Winery, Missouri’s largest winery, offers free one-hour tours on which visitors see the process used to create its beverages. Guests taste wines and juices at the end of each tour. Stone Hill welcomes children.

Mount Pleasant Winery consists of a wine shop, art gallery and tasting room. The facility offers tours, and visitors get to make their own bottle of wine. Classes in the art of wine-tasting and cheese and chocolate pairing are also offered.

Tour Options

Visitors have several choices of tours in and around Branson, including watercraft, helicopter and train trips. The Branson Scenic Railway tour is a 40-mile round-trip journey through the Ozark foothills and historic tunnels. Passengers listen to the history of the railroad and the area surrounding Branson.

Ride the Ducks Branson takes passengers on a land and water tour of the city. Tours include rides in the Branson entertainment district, the Ozark and Baird Mountains, historic landmarks and Table Rock and Taneycomo lakes.

Disclosure

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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About the Author

Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University. .